Another Scroll: Defiant Readings for Lectionary Year C

by Amy G.S.A. Brooks

"A timely and poetic journey through sacred texts that causes the reader to pause and consider matters worthy of our action, repentance and transformation. Another Scroll is in defiance to oppression and encouraging to the work of liberation."--The Rev. Dr. Pamela Lightsey, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs, Associate Professor of Constructive Theology, Meadville Lombard Theological School. To the Revised Common Lectionary, Amy G. S. A. Brooks adds another scroll of holy gritty, fiercely loving, justice-minded poems that defy theological oppression. Another Defiant Readings for Lectionary Year C is a sacred invitation to open the scripture and allow it to unfurl with the courageous affirmation of every reader. As Brooks notes, "Beloved, in case no one has told you are whole, you are holy, you are wholly loved."

136 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2021

Reviews

[Philip Barbier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetry written in response to both the scripture text and the text of the author's life, this is a powerful and moving collection. I have already flagged certain poems and lines that I want to return to as this lectionary year progresses because I already knowing that they will inform how I will engage with scripture. I look forward to returning to these poems in years to come and hope that we will see similar volumes for the other years of the lectionary.

[Laurie Jacob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of readings can certainly be part of a lectionary that "afflicts the comfortable," but the Power and Truth in these words transcends religion. It speaks to the totality and interconnectedness of humanity.

As a hospital chaplain, I bear witness to death regularly. Violent. Peaceful. Sudden. Lingering. And every manner of death between. The poem Mary Mourns reaches into broken hearts to expose the aching emptiness left behind.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Runs the gamut of emotions that Christians rarely talk about. From fierce protection to deep sorrow, this book has it all. A must have for the modern Christian seeking justice and understanding in a changing world. If you feel like you don't 'fit'... you might just find yourself here.

[Madison Perian · Rating 5 out of 5]

This isn’t my usual poetry book, but it was an honor to glimpse inside the thoughtful, genuine mind of author Amy G.S.A. Brooks. Favorite poems:
The Longest Night
Autopsy
Pyrite
Amends
Gomer’s Complaint

[lori j · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll be honest. This book wasn’t easy to read. It’s beautifully written, but the emotions are so close to my heart, that sometimes it was overwhelming. I cried at times. It was just what my fragile heart needed. From the beautiful laments of the past to the raw pain of dealing with current injustices, this collection of readings will speak to the heart of those seeking Justice, Truth, Love, and Holiness.

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read this collection of poems prior to publication, I offered these words about it:

Brooks cracks open the lectionary and poems emerge from between the lines of holy scripture, populating a landscape both holy and wholly human. This scroll will bend your assumptions, queer your interpretations, and excite your imagination. You will find yourself in these poems, not as the world demands but as God made you to be, inspiring you to remake the world.